In a sweeping move to shield children from the dark corners of the web, the Federal Government has announced it will clamp down on internet access for Nigerians under 16, with security agencies set to roll out strict guidelines in the coming weeks.
The declaration came Thursday in Abuja as officials launched the Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms initiative with the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Guardrails Go Up For Young Learners
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government is racing to expand digital learning, but not without fences.
“We will be regulating internet access for children below 16 years old, and further announcements on this will be coming from our security staff in the coming days or weeks,” Alausa told the gathering. “It is our duty to protect every Nigerian child, more so underage children, from all sorts of cyberattacks and digital exposure.”
He warned that free data must not become a free-for-all. “Zero-rated access should not mean indiscriminate access to every platform that describes itself as educational. The content made available to our children must be accessible, credible, safe, and aligned with our educational objectives and curriculum.”
Free Data, Equal Chance
The NCC and lawmakers framed the policy as both protection and opportunity. NCC Board Commissioner Ikechukwu Ugwuegede called zero-rating “the digital e-book revolution,” saying free access to accredited academic sites will let rural and urban students “compete on an equal footing.”
Sen. Mohammed Muntari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, and Rep. Peter Akpatason pledged legislative oversight to expand coverage and keep providers accountable. Education advocate Teniola “Teni” Apata urged students to use the data to build skills “to lead tomorrow.”
The government says the new rules will run alongside NELFUND to ensure no child is left behind, online or offline.
